Your Excellency the Minister of Culture,Mr President of the National Library,Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am overwhelmed, proud and moved to be here, your Excellency, to receive this prestigious distinction from you. It’s an honour for all the personnel of our Maison – as well as for my unashamedly book-loving ancestors, who were also active patrons in their time.

Our seven years of partnership with the French National Library have been characterised by trust, friendship and sharing the values we hold dear.We have never sought to meddle in the programming of exhibitions in the attractive Photo Gallery – and from James Natchway and Bettina Rheims through to Raymond Depardon, each time we have been delighted by the inspired and astute choices made by the BNF.

This long-term partnership has enriched us and had a long-term influence on our communications policy supporting art and artists, known as “The Quest for works of art”.

So many thanks to the National Library, its President and all its staff. There are no great patrons. There are only “Great Beneficiaries”!